Vegan Healthy Chocolate Truffles
These vegan chocolate truffles are one of my favorite treats to make, especially when I’m looking for a sweet snack that feels indulgent but is also healthy. The combination of rich cocoa and naturally sweet medjool dates creates a perfect balance of flavors, while the almonds and walnuts add a nice texture. I often make these when I need a quick, crowd-pleasing dessert to share with friends or bring to events. They’re easy to roll into small, bite-sized balls, and they can be coated in a variety of toppings like shredded coconut or chopped nuts, making them not only delicious but visually appealing as well. Plus, they make for a wonderful homemade gift! Every time I make these, people are always surprised to learn they’re made with dates and nuts, and they love the fact that they’re vegan and free from refined sugars. I like to experiment with different coatings to switch things up—sometimes I’ll even add a hint of orange zest or coffee powder for an extra flavor boost.
Did You Know?
Medjool dates are a powerhouse of nutrition! They’re high in natural sugars, which provide a quick energy boost, but they also contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. These nutrients help regulate blood sugar levels, support heart health, and promote digestive health. Plus, they’re a great natural sweetener in vegan recipes like these truffles.
Yield: 16 truffles
Ingredients:
1 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup raw walnuts
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Optional: shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts for coating
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to soften.
Personal Tip: Softening the dates makes them blend more easily and helps create a smooth texture for the truffles.
Blend the Base:
In a food processor, combine the almonds and walnuts. Pulse until they form a coarse meal.
Personal Tip: Be careful not to over-blend the nuts; you want a coarse texture, not a butter.
Drain the dates and add them to the food processor along with the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky.
Personal Tip: Scrape down the sides of the food processor periodically to ensure the mixture blends evenly.
Form the Truffles:
Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and roll them into 1-inch balls between your hands.
Personal Tip: Wet your hands slightly to prevent the mixture from sticking while rolling.
Roll each ball in your desired coating (shredded coconut, cocoa powder, or chopped nuts) until fully covered.
Personal Tip: For variety, try rolling half the batch in shredded coconut and the other half in cocoa powder for different textures and flavors.
Chill:
Place the truffles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Personal Tip: The longer you chill them, the firmer and chewier they’ll be, so adjust the chilling time to your preference.
Serve:
Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Personal Tip: These truffles make a great snack to keep on hand for a quick energy boost or a healthy dessert option.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Calories, 90; Fat, 5g; Saturated Fat, 1g; Carbohydrates, 12g; Fiber, 2g; Sugars, 9g; Protein, 2g
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money
1. Bulk Buying: Purchase dates, nuts, and cocoa powder in bulk. This reduces the cost per unit and ensures you have plenty of ingredients for future recipes.
2. Homemade Nut Butters: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can substitute the nuts with homemade nut butter. Simply blend the nuts until they form a creamy butter before adding the dates and other ingredients.
3. Reusable Storage: Use reusable silicone bags or glass containers for storing your truffles. This is more environmentally friendly and can save you money over time compared to disposable options.
4. Energy Efficiency: Use a food processor instead of a high-powered blender to make the truffle mixture. Food processors are generally more energy-efficient and easier to clean.
5. Ingredient Substitutions: If medjool dates are too expensive or hard to find, you can use other varieties of dates. Just make sure to adjust the soaking time if needed.
6. Flavor Variations: Experiment with different flavorings by adding a splash of orange extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a bit of instant coffee powder to the mixture. This can add variety to your truffles without additional cost.
7. Smart Storage: Store leftover truffles in the refrigerator to extend their shelf life. They will stay fresh for up to a week and can be enjoyed as a quick, healthy snack.
8. DIY Coatings: Make your own shredded coconut by grating fresh coconut and drying it in the oven. This can be a fun and cost-effective way to add a personal touch to your truffles.
9. Learning and Sharing: Join online vegan cooking communities for more recipe ideas and tips. Sharing your own experiences can also help others and foster a sense of community.
10. Homemade Extracts: Make your own vanilla extract by soaking vanilla beans in vodka. This homemade extract is more cost-effective and provides a rich flavor for your desserts.
Let’s Learn About Natural Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder comes from the cacao bean, which grows inside the fruit of the cacao tree. The beans are harvested, fermented, dried, and then roasted. Once roasted, the cacao beans are processed to separate the fat (cocoa butter) from the cocoa solids, which are ground into powder. Cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and minerals like iron and magnesium, making it a healthy addition to vegan recipes. When buying cocoa powder, look for organic and non-alkalized options, as these are less processed and retain more nutrients. Non-organic cocoa may be treated with pesticides, so choosing organic helps minimize exposure to harmful chemicals. Additionally, check labels for unsweetened varieties to control the sweetness in your recipes.